The Hospital.

Lake County Press, Issue 65, 30 August 1872, Page 3

The Hospital.

Sib,—As the meeting of subscribers to reconsider the Rules will be held shortly, let me make a few remarks upon the present rules. I am sure that this summer the Arrow people will do the very utmost they can to raise good large sums for the institution, and it is only fair that a little liberally should be infused into the Regulations. 11 10s per week is too much for any one to pay ; 30s should be the maximum for non-subscribers. With regard to the remarks of the President that parties who had means would take advantage of the Hospital and use it as a benefit Society, it is a reflection upon the honesty of the district. Why don't they do it in Dunedin, where no paymeat is required, only if they have reason to think that a man has means they put an oath to him ? Why not do the same here ?

Another matter which requires amendment is the rule which refuses to admit women for the purpose of confinement, young children, etc., under any circumstances. Why not leave that to the option of the resident surgeon. It is, I am 6ure, not contemplated by the Government that such exclusions should be made. Imagine the case of a poor family afflicted with diptheria, for instance, aud the mother perhaps near her confinement. If this rule is enforced they must perish if they have not means to employ medical aid. Again with regard to contagious diseases, were such a rule in force in Dunedin or Melbourne the results would be frightful. I denounce Rule 13 as unchristian, inhuman, and contrary to the spirit in which a public hospital should be conducted, and one which if not amended, calls loudly for legislative interference. The fact is that the gentlemen on the Committee are (I am glad to say) wealthy men, and they do not consider the requirements of their less fortunate brethern. The tendency of the rules is intended to protect private medical practice. Ido not think that such protection is required to the extent the rules go; and I hope that the subscribers will do their duty to the sick poor of the district when they go to the meeting. In connection with this subject I think that steps should be taken to initiate a Miners Sick and Accident Fund and thus relieve the Hospital from the expense of a good many cases. I am also glad that a gentleman here has taken steps to establish an Odd Fellows Lodge, as we ought to do all we can to prevent having recourse to a charitable institution, but I still hold that for those who are compelled to seek its aid the rules should be more liberal. As at present it would seem as if the object of the rules was to make the Hospital self-supporting.—l am &c, A Wellwishee to the Hospital.